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Juicy Smash Burger Tacos

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A flavorful and easy-to-make recipe combining crispy smashed beef patties with a tangy homemade special sauce, served in soft tortillas for a fun taco twist on classic burgers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tsp vegetable oil
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles or pickle relish
  • 8 small soft flour or corn tortillas (6-inch size)
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Thinly sliced red onions (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the special sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, apple cider vinegar, and chopped pickles. Stir well until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Shape the beef: Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 oz each). Roll into loose balls and season lightly with salt and pepper just before cooking.
  3. Heat skillet: Place cast iron pan or griddle over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Heat until smoking hot, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Smash the patties: Place 2-3 beef balls on skillet, press down firmly with spatula to about ¼-inch thickness. Hold for 10-15 seconds to create crispy edges. Work in batches if needed.
  5. Cook and flip: Cook patties undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are browned and crisp. Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes. Add cheese slice after flipping if desired and cover for 30 seconds to melt.
  6. Warm tortillas: Warm tortillas on dry skillet or microwave wrapped in damp towel for 20 seconds. Keep warm.
  7. Assemble tacos: Spread a tablespoon of special sauce on each tortilla. Add smashed burger patty, then top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar, red onions, and cilantro if using. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for juiciness. Do not overwork the meat. Heat pan well before smashing patties. Flip patties only once. Chill special sauce for best flavor. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas. To avoid soggy tortillas, warm just before assembling and spread sauce evenly but not thickly.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, tacos, special sauce, easy dinner, backyard BBQ, quick recipe, ground beef, homemade sauce

Find it online: https://cooksyla.com/juicy-smash-burger-tacos-recipe-easy-homemade-special-sauce-guide/